CHAPTER 11

A Profile of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams

I n this chapter, an attempt is made to present the profile of the Tirumala

Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The shrine of Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala has a

unique history. The Lord of Seven Hills has been the inspiring deity in South India

for many centuries. It is one of the foremost sacred Srivaishnava temples of South

India, the other three being Srirangam, Kanchi and Melkote. The traditions

concerning the temple are scattered over twelve Puranas and Upa-Puranas. Lord

Venkateswara is a powerful deity having a firm hold on the faith of millions of people

all over the country for centuries. No other temple in South India is attracting so

many pilgrims or has been more opulent. According to the legends, Tirumala is the

most sacred of all places on the earth. The temple attracts large multitude of

pilgrims. On an average, more than 30,000 pilgrims visit the holy shrine everyday.

During peak season i,e., summer, the average goes upto 50,000 per day. I f there is

any place in the whole of India to which pilgrims from all over the country resort to

in millions all over the year, it is only Tirumala. Even to the Buddhists, Tirumala, the

abode of the Lord, has an attraction. I t was the place where the grammarian and

philosophe;. S'l~armakirti was born. While the temple of Tirumala belongs to the

Hindus, it has a special appeal for Srivaishnavas. The great acharyas beginning

from Nadarnuni Alwar have been closely associated with the worship of Lord

Venkateswara on the hill. A great grandson of Nadarnuni, known as Tirumalanambi,

devoted himself to the service of Lord Venkateswara. Later on, his nephew, Sri

Ramanuja, the great reformer and preceptor undertook the task of establishing the

daily ritual and modes of worship in the holy shrine which are in vogue even today1.

1. Location: The eastern ghats run close to the coast upto the river Krishna and

then take an inward bend. They then break off into three ranges - one running

along the coast up to Ponneri, another running into the Kurnool and Anantapur

districts and the third or central range starting in Kurnool and meeting the hills

round about Tirupati. These ranges form almost a mountain wall stretching from

the Mysore plateau in the west to Ponneri in the east. This constituted the ancient

border between the Tamil country in the south and Vadugu by which name, the

modern Kannada and Telugu speaking region to its north, was then known.

Vengadam of the Tirumala hill was a prominent outpost on this border. The Puranas

compare the central range to a huge recumbent serpent and locate the Mallikarjuna

temple of Srisailam on its tail, the Narasimha temple of Ahobilam on its back, Sri

Venkateswara temple of Tirumala on the back of the hood and the Kalahastiswara

temple of Sri Kalahasti at its mouth.

Tirumala is in the eastern ghats at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the sea level

with a maximum temperature of 9 8 ' ~ and a minimum of 54'~. The Tirumala hill

range has seven principal peaks such as Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Neeladri,

Seshadri, Garudadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. Sri Venkateswara abides on the

seventh range, Venkatadri. By residing at Venkatadri, the God received the

appellation of Sri Venkateswara. The name, Tirupati (Sri-patipura), which means

'town of the Lord of Lakshmi', should appropriately have applied to the village on

the Venkata hill where the Lord Venkateswara stands in His temple. The Tirupati

hill, which is also known as the Venkatachala or the Venkatadri, is called Vengadam

by the Vaishnava Alwars and Acharyas. It is a hill on which abides Sri Venkateswara

in his 'Divya Ananda Nilaya Vimana'. It has acquired a unique sanctity in the Indian

religious lore from immemorial times and is even looked upon as one of the most

sacred centres of pilgrimage in South India. It has been considered to have been

the 'Kridadri' (sporting hill) of Sri Maha Vishnu in Sri Vaikunta on which He used to

sport with Sri Maha ~akshmi~.

2. Temples: A brief account of the important temples managed by the TTD is

presented in the following pages.

2.8 Srivari temple: The celebrated temple of Sri Venkateswara stands on a hill

named Venkatadri which looks like a depression surrounded by high hills on all

sides. Lord Venkateswara is 'Swayamboo' (self - manifestation of Lord \Jishnu). I n

Archavathara, He is within the easy reach of human beings who desire to worship

Him in Kaliyuga. The entire temple is surrounded by a prakara built of large blocks

of stone rivetted into each other. The temple has sub-temples like Sri

Varahaswamy, Sri Bhashyakarulavari Sannidhi, Sri Bedi Hanumantharayaswamy, Sri

Kshetrapalaka, Sri Deva Bhashyakarulu and Sri Anjaneyaswamy. The Puranas state

unequivocally that the image of Sri Venkateswara is self-manifest and not prepared

by any mortal. It is said to have laid in an ant-hill under a tamarind tree on the

bank of Swamipushkarini at ~ i rumala~, Tradition has it that Sri Venkateswara is

self-manifested Brahma who came to Tirumala for our salvation. The idol of

Venkateswara was not wrought by the hand of man and the supreme Lord

manifested Himself in a form which could easily be comprehended by human

beings4.

There are numerous collections of legends and stories about Tirumala and its

God, Sri Venkateswara. But it is very difficult to determine the date of the temple.

There is no direct evidence to show when and by whom the temple was built.

Inscriptions found in the temple only refer to its renovation and rebuilding and the

addition of later structures. They do not state when the original temple was built.

The earliest mention of Sri Venkateswara in the epigraphs is in connection with a

proxy temple, Tiruvilan Koil at Tiruchanoor and not in association with the temple on

Tirumala. The first mention of the temple on the hill is to be found in an inscription

assignable to 970 AD*.

The ritual worship is done strictly according to the Vaikhanasa Agama. The

daily sevas of the temple, along with the amount coilected, are shown in Table 2.1.

The temple rituals start with suprabhatham. The Lord is awakened from His

conscious sleep. The pandits recite the heartening Sankrit slokas of the suprabhata

stotram. The Lord is now ready to receive and bless His devotees. After Suddi

(cleaning of sanctum sanctorum), Thomala seva commences. After Thomala

seva, Koluvu takes place when Koluvu Srinivasamurti is brought to the Tirumamani

Table 2.1, : Daily Sevas in the Srivari Temple a t Tirumala

Notes : (i) Sarvadarsanam IS from 7.30 AM to 7.00 PM; and 8,00 PM to 1.00 AM; and (ii) On lean days Sarvadarshanam will be for about 16 hours and on peak

peak days 18 - 20 hours. Source : l l - D Information to Pilsrims to Tirumala, Tirupati, TTD, 1999 and ------., TTD Dairy,

Tirupati, TTD, 2000,

Name of the seva Suprabhatham Thomala Archana Archananantara Darshanam Kalyanotsavam A j itha Brahmotsavam (Vahana) Sahasra Deepalankara (Unjala) Ekantha

Mandapam. An abstract account of the previous day's collections in the

hundi, arjitham receipts etc., are presented. After this, Srinivasamurti is taken

, Time 3.00 AM 3.45 AM 4.45 AM 5.30 AM

12.00 PM 1.00 PM 5.30 PM 1.30 AM

back to sanctum sanctorurn. Sahasranarnarchana (archna) is done to Srivaru for

Amount (Rs) 1

120 220 220 100 750; 2500

1,000 1,000

120 -

the material and spiritual welfare of the world. Archanananthara darshanam

commences after sahasranamarchana. Suddhi and Naivedyam follow later. After

Sattumurai - when the Jeeyangar and Srivaishnavites recite portions of Divya

Prabandharr,, pilgrims are let in to have a free darshan of the Lord. Kalyanotsvam is

performed everyday at the Kalyanamandapam, when Sri Malayappaswamy (Utsava

murthy), along with His consorts, is brought from the sanctum sanctorum. The

regular marriage rituals associated with the Hindu marriage are performed.

Arjitha Brahrnotsavam is also performed for one day in an abridged manner within

the temple premises. This is performed after the performance of Kalyanotsvam. Sri

Malayappa Swamy with His two consorts is worshipped in the Kalyanamandapam

with vedic mantras and rituals and mounted on three vahanams. Unjala seva is

performed when Sri Malayappaswamy together with Bhudevi and Sridevi seated on a

cradle at aina mahal (mirror hall) and swung to the accompanient of

vedaparayanam and mangala vadyam. The last one for the day is Ekanta seva.

After it, the temple doors are closed. The amount collected for each of

Suprabhatham, Thomala, Archana, Archanananthara and Ekantha sevas is in the

range of Rs.100 - Rs.220. It is Rs.l,000 for each of Arjitha Brahrnotsavam and

Sahasra Deepalankara sevas. Two kinds of amounts are collected for Kalyanotsvam

i.e. Rs.750 for small and Rs.2,500 for big, For the former, two persons are allowed

while for the latter five persons.

Sudarsanam token system was introduced during 2000 for both free and

paid darshans of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy to minimise the waiting time of the

devotees in the queue. The tokens are issued free of cost at first and second

choultries, Alipiri bus stand at Tirupati, at Patha Pushkarini complex (PPC) sheds and

Amenities complex, Tirumala. The tokens are issued for each and every individual

and not for groups. The time of darshan is indicated on the token. This system

saves much time and provides ample opportunity to pilgrims to visit the temples in

and around Tirupati.

Weekly sevas performed to the Lord are presented in Table 2.2. Visesha

puja, which includes abhishekam, purnahuti, stalasuddhi, shanti hornam etc., is

performed on Monday. The amount to be paid is Rs.3000. Ashtadala

Padapadmaradhanamu is performed on Tuesday. One hundred and eight flowers of

gold will be offered to the Mulvirat during the second archana when each of the one

hundred and eight names of the Lord is recited. This is performed for 15 minutes.

An amour~t of Rs.3,500 is collected for this seva. On Wednesday, Sahasra

kalasabhishekam is performed for the benefit of devotees at a cost of Rs.5,000. The

Table 2.2. : Weekly Sevas in Srivari Temple at Tirumala

Source : As in Table 2.1.

vedic mantras are recited to consecrate the water in 1008 vessels placed on paddy,

spread as a bed on the floor, With the water thus consecrated, abhishekam is

performed to Bhoga Srinivasa, Malayappa, His two consorts and to Vlshwaksena.

This is the only occasion when Bhoga Srinivasa is brought outside the golden

doors. Thiruppavada seva is performed on Thursday. A huge quantity of cooked

rice known as pulihora, and some sweets, arranged in a pyramidal shape, are

offered to the Lord. The amount payable for this seva is Rs.5,000. This is done at

Name of: the day

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Time

6,00 AM 10.00 AM 5.30 AM 5.30 AM 3.30 AM 3.30 AM

; Name of the seva

Vishesha Ashtadala Padapadmaradhanamu Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Thiruppavada Abhishekam Vastralankara

Amount (Rs)

3,000 3,500 5,000 5,000

150; 350; and 750; 12,500

Tirumamani mandapam. Abhishekam to the main deity is performed on Friday.

The custom of abhishekam on Friday appears to have been started with the

consecration of Bhoga Srinivasa (966 A.D.) whose abhishekam might have fallen on

a Friday. There are three varieties of abhishekams and so the charges are Rs.150,

Rs.350 and Rs.750. I n Vastralankara seva, devotees carry vastras (clothes) on their

head to offer to the God. After abhishekam, the vastras carried by the first devotee

(on the basis of seniority) will be used for decorating the main deity. The cost of

this seva is Rs.12,500. Thus, the TTD conducts various weekly sevas in the Srivari

temple at Tirumala between Monday and Friday.

The sevas periodically performed in Srivari temple at Tirumala are furnished

in Table 2.3. The Koil-alwar Thirumanjanam is a purificatory function performed on

the day before each of Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha

Ekadasi. The walls and floor of the temple are cleaned with water, scraped and

painted with a mixture of turmeric paste, camphor etc. The annual Vasantotsavam

is celebrated for three days in the month of April. The silver car procession, which is

the main attraction during these celebrations, is held on the second day. On the

third day, not only Sri Malayappaswamy and His consorts but also Sri Rama, Sita,

Lakshmana, Sri Krishna and Rukmini are also taken out in an impressive procession.

The pavitrotsavam is performed with an objective to expiate the sins of commission

and omission arising in the daily worship and other religious rites performed in the

temple. The Pushpayagam is a spectacular celebration which consists of offering

different kinds of fragrant flowers to the Lord on Sravana Nakshatram day. Float

festival is celebrated for five days in the month of Phalguna. The deities, after

being decorated with glittering jewels and colourful flowers, are placed in the

illuminated float and towed round in the Swamipushkarini. The Padmavathi

Parinayam is an important seva performed for 3 days in the month of Vaisakha

during 'Sukla Navami, Dasami and Ekadasi". The Pushpapallaki is performed on

Anivara Asthanam day. On this day, Sri Malayappaswamy is brought along with His

Table 2.3 : Periodical Sevas in the Srivari Temple at Tirumala

Name of the sewa Period 1 Time I Amount /

Koil-alwar- thirumanjanam Vasantotsavam

Pavithrotsavam

Pushapayagam

Float festival

Padmavathi parinayam

Pushpa Pallaki

Abhidheyaka abhishekaln

Four times in a year Three day festival in the month of April Three day festival in the month of August Sravana Nakshtram day after Bra hrnotsavam Five days in the month of February/ March Three day festival in the month of May Anivara Asthanam day in the month of July Three day festival in the month of June

Source : As in Table 2.1.

consorts in the golden Sawabhoopala Vahanam which is decorated with different

kinds of flcwers and durbar is held in a grand manner. The Abhidheyaka

abhishekani i.4 performed for three days in June. The abhishekam to the deity is

performed with water from 108 silver kalasas.

The Tirumala temple is also famous for the festivals conducted in addition to

the aforesaid sevas. These festivals are celebrated with increasing popularity even

today. The greatness of a temple is generally appreciated by the grandeur of

festivals celebrated and the congregation of devoted pilgrims attracted by them.

Though everyday is a festival day in Tirumala, the following are some of the

important festivals. These include Brahmotsavam, Adhyayanotsavam, Sankranti,

Grishmotsavam, Kodai-tirunal, Anna Unjal tirunal, Tiruppali-odam-tirunal, Jayanti

festival, Kalyanotsavam, Rathasapthami festival, Lakshmi Devi Mahotsavam,

Pallavotsavam, Phalotsavam, Visesha Tirunal etc.

2.2 Sri Govindarajaswamy temple: The Sri Govindarajaswamy temple is the

main attraction for the pilgrims at Tirupati. It is the biggest of all the temples in the

town. Its imposing tower can be seen even from a long distance. This is an

important temple consecrated by Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavacharya. The

daily rituals in the temple are performed according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The

festivals and functions in this temple are conducted more or less on the same lines

as in Srivari temple.

2.3 Sri Kodandaramaswamy temple: The Sri Kadandaramaswamy temple is

situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The main deities are Sri Rama, Sita and

Lakshmana. According to legends, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama

to Tirupati. The worship in the temple is according to Vaikhanasa Agama. The

Ugadi and Sri Rama Navami festivals are conducted on a grand scale in this temple.

2.4 Sri Kapileswaraswamy temple: This is a temple dedicated to Sri

Kapileswaraswamy. It is the only Siva temple among Vaishnava temples at Tirupati.

The legend relating to this temple is intertwined with that of the Padmavathi

Srinivasa Kalyanam. It is situated about 3 kms. to the north of Tirupati at the foot

of Tirumala hills where a sacred and beautiful waterfall, known as 'Kapilatheettham',

can be seen. The worship and rituals in this temple are carried on in accordance

with Saiva Agama.

2.5 Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru temple : The temple of Sri Padmavathi

Ammavaru, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, is situated about 3 kms to

the south of Tirupati at Tiruchanoor. According to legends, Goddess Sri Lakshmi

revealed Herself in a golden lotus in the Pushkarini known as Padma Sarovaram. It

was said to have been dug by the Lord with His Gadayudha when He came in search

of Sri Lakshmi. The worship in the temple is according to Pancharatr'a Agama.

Among the festivals celebrated here, Panchami Thirtham, celebrated during Kartika

Brahmotsavam, is famous. On that day, Pasupu, Kumkum, Pattu Saree, Flower

garland with Laddu padi are brought from Srivari temple, Tirumala, vvith temple

honours.

2.6. Sri Venkateswaraswamy temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram: The Sri

Venkateswaraswamy temple is located at Srinivasa Mangapuram which is about 10

kms to thc west of Tirupati. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord

Venkateswara, According to the legends, this temple was built by the Maharaja of

Chandragiri. The temple was taken over by the 7TD during 1967, 'Sakshatkara

Vaibhavarn', the day on which the Lord revealed Himself and blessed the priest,

namely, Sri Sundara Ramanujacharyulu, is an important festival celebrated at the

temple. This is celebrated on Uttara Phalguna Nakshatra day in Sukla Paksham of

Ashada. Besides, all festivals of Srivari temple are celebrated here.

2.7 Sri Vedanarayanaswamy temple, Nagalapuram: The Sri Vedanarayana-

swamy temple is located at Nagalapuram which is 60 kms from Tirupati. This is on

the way to Chennai. This temple was taken over by the TTD during 1967. One

peculiar feature of the idol is that the Sudarsana Chakram is in 'prayoga' (ready for

releasing) position. The most important festival associated with this t m p l e is the

annual 'Surya Puja' which is usually conducted in the last week of March. The sun's

rays fall on the deity at about 5 p.m., denoting worship by Surya Bhagavan.

2.8 Sri Malyana Venkateswaraswamy temple: The Sri Kalyana Venkateswa-

raswamy temple is located at Narayanavanam which is at a distance of 30 kms from

Tirupati. This the only temple where one can find both Lord Srinivasa and His

consort, Padmavathi, on the same pedestal. The legend says that Sri Akasaraju

ruled Narayanavanam and performed the wedding of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru

with Sri Venkateswaraswamy. I n this temple, daily rituals are performed according

to Pancharatra Agama.

2.9 Andhra ashram: Andhra ashram is situated at Rishikesh which is on the

way to Badrinath in Uttaranchal, a newly formed state. During 1969, the

management was taken over by the 7TD along with property worth B.20 lakhs.

The TTD had constructed Sri Venkateswaraswamy temple on one side of the ashram

and Sri Chandramouleswaraswamy temple on the other side, Sri

Venkateswar.?swamy Brahmotsvam is conducted here on a grand scale annually.

2.18 Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswsmy temple: Sri Prasanna Venkateswara-

swamy temple is an ancient temple located at Appalayagunta which is 15 kms from

Tirupati. Festivals like Brahmotsvam and Theppotsavam are celebrated here on a

grand scale. The idols of Goddess Padrnavathi and Sri Andal are also seen. The

Rajas of Karvetinagar have constructed the temple. The TTD took over the

management of the temple during 1988.

2.11 Sri Venugopalaswamy temple: The Sri Venugopalaswamy temple is

situated in Karvetinagar which is 58 kms from Tirupati. The main deities of the

temple are Lord Venugopalaswamy, Rukmini and Satyabhama. I n the olden days, it

was managed by the rulers of Narayanavanam. Today, it is under the control of the

TTD .

3. Educational institutions: The TTD is managing the following educational

institutions. I t runs over 30 educational institutions. The TTD runs more number of

temples of learning than temples as such.

3.9 Secular education: The Sri Venkateswara High School, Tirupati; Sri

Padmavathi Girls High School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara High School, Tirumala; Sri

Venkateswara Higher Secondary School, Vellore; Sri Govindarajaswamy, tligh School,

Tirupati; Sri Kodandaramaswamy High School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara

Elementary School, Tirumala; Sri Venkateswara Elementary School, Tirupati; Sri

Kapileswaraswamy Elementary School, Thatithopu; Sri Venkateswara Arts College,

Tirupati; Sri Govidarajaswarny Arts College, Tirupati; Sri Padmavathi .Women's

College, Tirupati; and Sri Venkateswara Junior College, Tirupati offer secular

education, Apart from this, there is an institution in Delhi called Sri Venkateswara

College. For this institution, the TTD is providing funds.

3.2 Sanskrit and vedic education: The Sri Venkateswara Oriental College,

Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Vedantha Vardhini Sanskrit College, Hyderabad; Sri

Venkateswara Vedapatasala, Narasingapuram; Sri Venkateswara Oriental High

School, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Vedapatasala, Dharmagiri, Tirumaia; and Sri

Venkateswara Vedantha Sanskrit Pathasala, Keesaragutta provide education in

Sanskrit and Vedas.

3.3 Technical education: The Sri Padmavathi Women's Polytechnic College,

Tirupati is the only institution which imparts technical education.

3.4 Ayunedic education: The Sri Venkateswara Ayurvedic College, Tirupati,

offers instruction in ayrurvedic education.

3.5 Yoga: The Sri Venkateswara Yoga 'Institute and Allied Sciences, Tirupati, is

the only institution run by the TTD which imparts training in yoga.

3.6 Fine arts: The Sri Venkateswara College for Music and Dance, Tirupati and Sri

Venkateswara Sculpture Training Centre, Tirupati, provide skills in fine arts,

3.7 Ckarkable institutions; The Sri Venkateswara Balamandir, Tirupati, is the

only charitable institution under the control of the TTD,

3.8 Phy.sically handicapped: The Sri Venkateswara School for Deaf and Blind,

Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Training-cum-production centre for Physically

handicapped, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara School for Deaf at Bhirnavaram; and Sri

Venkateswara School for Deaf at Warangal render service to physically handicapped

persons.

4. Others: The other establishments of the TTD include the following:

4.1 Medical: The history of the TTD hospitals dates back to 1920 when the first

dispensary was started at Tirumala. The constant increase in the influx of pilgrims

has necessitated the expansion of the TTDfs medical activities meant not only for the

pilgrims but also for the increasing staff of the TTD. The following are the hospitals

and dispensaries maintained by the lTD . Aswini Hospital, Tirumala; Dispensary at

Vaikuntam Queue complex, Tirumala; TTD Employees' Dispensary, Tirumala; Central

Hospital, Tirupati; First New Choultry Dispensary, Tirupati; Tiruchanoor Dispensary;

Health centre at Sri Padmavathi Women's College, Tirupati; Sri Venkateswara Poor

Home, Akkarampalli; Central Drug Stores, Tirupati; and Balaji Institute of Surgery,

Rehabilitation and Research for the Disabled (BIRRD), Tirupati.

4.2 Public relations: The Department of Public Relations came into being during

1976. It has expanded into a full-fledged unit with several wings under its control.

This is under the control of Public Relations Officer. It serves as a liasion between

the public and the TTD with modern channels of publicity. The Public Relations

Officer maintains good relations with pilgrims in general and the press in particular;

co-ordinates and supervises the work of editor and the broad casting section;

oversees production and distribution of documentary films; propagates Srinivasa

Mission; attends to all advertisement activities; and conducts enquiry into

complaints from pilgrims.

4.3 Press: The TTD maintains a modern press. It publishes books on religion,

Indian culture and philosophy and prints registers, forms, account books, invoices,

ledgers etc., required for day-to-day use. It had acquired one photo composing

unit with six key boards like printer for proofs to improve the quality and reduce

manpower requirements in the press. This is the third such machine of its kind in

the country and the first in South India.

4.4 Broadcasting: The TTD has a broadcasting unit to broadcast its day today

programmes; relay of devotional songs; operates closed circuit television system in

the queue complex; supply of mike sets to other ternpies etc,

4.5 Engineering: The TTD is a vast institution dedicated to the service of pilgrims

and it performs several tasks with a view to improve the amenities at Tirumala and

Tirupati. It manages not only temples but also various other organisations and,

therefore, there is an inherent necessity for an engineering department. It meets the

requirements of pilgrims and undertakes construction, maintenance and renovation

of temples. It is broadly divided into three wings such as civil, water works and

electrical departments.

4.6 Welfare: The TTD has a welfare department which was established during

1977. It looks after the maintenance of staff quarters; operation of employees

welfare fund; conduct of sports, games and cultural programmes; redressal of

employees' grievances; supervision of the TTD information centres and

kalyanamandapams situated outside Tirupati and Tirumala etc.

4.7 Marketing: During 1976, the TTD has started a separate marketing

department to effect savings in purchases. This is possible as it makes purchases

directly from manufacturers without the involvement of middlemen. It purchases

rice, sugar, ghee, saffron, sugar candy etc.

4.8 Forest: The forest department procures and supplies fuel; protects the TTD

forests; undertakes tree plantation; and other activities. The department has divided

the entire Tirumala hill area into 33 vanams as per the bio-aesthetic plan. Each

vanam is divided into a number of upavanams. Each of these upavanams is under

the charge of a TTD official.

4.9 Treasury: Pilgrims from various quarters of the country put their offerings,

including jewellery and costly diamonds, in the hundi. These are kept under the

safe custody of Treasury Department until a decision is taken to dispose off them as

per the established procedure. I n addition, treasury department maintains an

account of jewellery with the archaka mirasidars.

4.10 Health and sanitation: The TTD bestows the utmost care on the upkeep of

Tirurnala and its sorroundings , The aim is to make Tirumala a safe zone, free from

malaria or any other contagion. The health and sanitation department is responsible

for the maintenance of sanitation both at Tirurnala and Tirupati.

4.11 Canteen: The TTD runs canteens to cater to the needs of pilgrims. They

supply tiffin, coffee, tea, meals etc. at Tirupati as well as Tirumala.

4.12 Transport: The transport unit is headed by a General Manager drawn from

the Andhra Pradesh (AP) State Road Transport Corporation on deputation. The total

fleet strength is 202. The TTD operates 4 free buses at Tirumala for the convenience

of pilgrims. Apart from day to day activities, it renders free service to sick private

vehicles plying on both the ghat roads. For this purpose, transport department

organises an automobile clinic.

4.13 Law: The law department deals with litigation concerning encroachments,

land acquisitions, leasing, service matters, alienation of gifts, employee relations,

criminal cases, appeals etc. of the TTD.

4.14 Editorial: The TTD has an editorial wing headed by the Editor. He is

~nct~arge of publication and circulation of 'Sapthagiri magazine'. It also helps in

providing financial assistance to the authors of religious books etc.

4.15 Revenue: The revenue department deals with the matters relating to

acquisition and alienation of lands, gifts, removal of encroachments, lease of lands

and buildings, allotment of quarters etc. A t present, the TTD has 3,016 acres of

land at Tirupati and 1,581 acres of land outside Tirupati.

4.16 Information dissemination: The TTD has dharmasalas,

kalyanamandapams, information cetres etc at different places within and outside the

state of AP so as to popularise its activities.

4.17 Vigilance and security: The TTD has Vigilance and Security Department

mainly to provide security to the properties of the TTD, belongings of pilgrims and

to maintain order for the smooth conduct of temple rituals, This Vigilance

Department also takes up the task of providing security to the various other

institutions managed by the T fD.

4.18 Kalyanakaaa: Devotees fulfil their vows of tonsure in the kalyanakatta.

During 1984-85, a two storeyed building was constructed especially to house

kalyanakatta. It is well equipped with solar water heaters, fans, attached bath and

toilets. This complex accommodates nearly 1,000 pilgrims at a time.

4.19 Dairy: The Sri Venkateswara Dairy caters to the daily needs of milk and

other dairy products of the TTD. The farm also maintains a large rw-nber of animals

like elephants, horses and bulls required for temples.

4.20 Garden: The Garden Department supplies flowers to decorate temples on all

occasions. The Garden Department has bagged many prizes at the state and

national levels through participation in flower-shows.

4.21 Panchayat: The Executive Officer (EO) looks after the civic administration of

Tirumala. The EO, in turn, entrusts it to the Panchayat Department. This

Department levys and collects property tax; leases the TTD land to Mutts and

Government organisations; acquires land for pilgrim purpose; issues license for

hawking; allots shops and houses to the landloosers; and provides amenities to local

residents.

4.22 Inventory and inspeaion: As the TTD runs several institutions covering a

wide spectrum, it is necessary to undertake physical stock taking periodically.

Hence an inspection and inventory section was created by the TTD.

4.23 Jewellay: Among the various departments of the TTD, the Jewellary

Department functions with all the glitter and splendour associated with ornaments

and decoration items. But it also deals with loha idols pertaining to temples.

4.24 Museum: The l T D has established two museums, namely, the Hall of

Antiquities at Tirumala and Sri Venkateswara Museum of Temple AIZ at Tirupati.

These museums are under the control of the Chief Museum Officer. They serve

academic as well as cultural purposes.

4.25 Dharma Prachara Parishad: The TTD has created Hindu Dharma

Prathisthanarn in 1969 to preserve and propagate Vedas, Hindu religion and

philosophic thought. Consequent upon statutory change, it became Hindu Dharma

Rakshana Samstha in 1979. As a result of further statutory change, in 1987, it was

renamed Dharma Prachara Parishad. Its main objectives are as fallows: (i) to

promote and propagate the Hindu Dharma; (ii) to establish and maintain institutions

imparting the Hindu Dharma; (iii) to prepare, publish and disseminate literature

relating to Hindu Dharma; (iv) to train Dharmacharyas, Dharma Pracharaks etc; and

(v) to organise and maintain institutions imparting knowledge of Vedas, agamas and

powrohityam. The Secretary manages the affairs of the Dharama Prachara

Parishad. He oversees administration, dharmic programmes and finances. The

parishad's activities are carried out district-wise by Organisers/Co-ordinators. Its

main activities include: (i) to conduct sankeerthanas, music programmes, purana

pravachanam and hari katha through Sri Venkateswara Arsha Sadassu in Asthana

Mandapam at Tirumala and at other temples of the T D ; (ii) to hold examinations

on epics to school going children; (iii) to select Veda pandits as Ghanapaties,

Kramapaties and old pandits to undertake vedaparayanam; (iv) to organise and

maintain vedapatasalas; (v) to provide financial assistance to dharmic institutions;

(vi) to establish and maintain purana pravachanam schools for giving training in

purana pravachanam; (vii) to help temples to make available finance to melam staff;

(viii) to provide financial aid to vedic and sanskrit institutions; (ix) to publish books

on religion, Sanathana Dharma and to distribute them free of cost to the public;

and ( x ) to give financial assistance for performing yagnas.

5. Management: The history of the management of the TTD is reviewed in the

following pages.

5.1 Kings and rulers: The Tirumala-Tirupati region is situated in what was

familiarly known as 'Thondamandalam ' for a long time and as the Carnatic in later

times. The early history of this region is lost in obscurity and only a few glimpses of

it can be obtained6. To the north of Thondamandalam, there flourished the great

Andhra-Satavahana empire. Gautamiputra 'Satakarni', the greatest king of this

family ruled between 78-102 AD. Thondamandalam was included in the Satavahana

empire towards the end of the first century AD. By the beginning of the third

century AD, Thondamandalam and its neighbourbood were under the domination of

the Nagas.

5.1.1 The Pallava period: The age of Pallavas constitutes the first important

landmark in the history of Thondamandalam and the Tirumala-Tirupati region was

included in it. The founder and first ruler of this dynasty was Simhavarrnan.

5.1.2 The Chola period: Thondamandalam became a part of the Chola empire

after its conquest by Aditya I and remained so till about the middle of the thirteenth

century. There are three inscriptions of Rajaraja I (985-1014) in this area, Of

these, one (1-14) from the temple in Tirumala states that a queen of Parantaka I1

gifted a pattam of gold. There are eleven inscriptions of Kulottunga I (1-21-32)

(1070-1120) in the temples of the Tirumala and Jogimallavaram. There are seven

inscriptions of Rajaraja 111.

5.1.3 The Pandyan interlude: The power of the Cholas declined about the

middle of the thirteenth century and the Pandyas invaded Thondamandalam. There

are several tecords of the Pandyan king in the Tirumala temple (1-44-55 and 56).

5.1.4 The transitory period: The period intervening between the time of

Sundara Pandya and the Vijayanagara rule is a period of transition.

5.1.5 The Vijayanagara period: Thondamandalam was included in the kingdom

of Vijayanagara from the time of its foundation and continued as part of it till the

time of its fall. The period of the rule of the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu

dynasties of Vijayanagara constitutes the most brilliant epoch in the history of the

Tirumala-Tirupati region and of its temples. Devaraya I1 (1406-1447), the greatest

ruler of the Sangarna dynasty, was a great devotee of Sri Venkateswara. He visited

the temple and worshipped the God in November, 1428 AD and made a substantial

gift for the restoration of vedeparayanam in the Tirumala temple.

The temple of Sri Venkateswara reached the acme of its glory during the

reign of the illustrious emperor, Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva or third dynasv of

Vijayanagara (1509-1529)'. His first visit to the temple was on loth February, 1513.

He visited the temple eight times between 1513 and 1521. During every visit, he

made costly presents. He came with his two queens on loth February, 1513 and

each of these queens presented golden bowls for offering milk to the Lord in the

evening. Probably, in commemoration of their visit, their royal statues have been

put up in the Srivari temple at Tirumala.

5.2 Period of Muslim rule: The Tirumala-Tirupati region was conquered by

the Sultans of Golconda by the middle of the seventeenth century and remained

under the Muslim rule for about a century and half. After the fall of Hindu kings, the

management of the temple came into the hands of Sultans of Golconda and Nawabs

of Arcot. This was a period of confusion, chaos and disorder and there was

practically no government worth the name in this region.

5.3 Rule of the Company: After the advent of the British, the management of

the temple passed into the hands of the East India Company during 1801. During

1803, Sri G.Stratton, the then Collector of North Arcot, after investigation and

enquiries, reported to the Board of Revenue about the sources of revenue of

Tirupati temples. He made several recommendations and suggestions with regard

to the management of Tirupati temples. I n pursuance of the recommerldations of

Sri G.Stratton, the task of collecting revenue due to the temples was entrusted to

the Tahsildar, Tirupati. Subsequent to the passing of the regulation VII of 1871 of

the Madras code, the management of temples was carried on under the control of

the Board of Revenue through the Collector of the district. Even in those days, the

temple was visited by multitudes of pilgrims from all parts of India. From the

offerings of devotees, temples derived an annual income of more than Rs.2 lakhs.

The temples were managed under well-defined rules contained in 'Bruce's code' -

drawn up in 1821 based on previous usages. The parapatyadar was made Joint

Treasury Officer. The Tahsildar and the Jeeyangar were associated with the

administration of all religious matters in the Srivari temple.

5.4 Management by Mahants: With reference to a directive received from the

Court of Directions during 1841, prohibiting all sorts of interference by the

Government Officials in the administration of religious institutions in the country, the

management of the Devasthanams was transferred during 1843 by a Sannad

(decree) to the head of the Hathiramji Mutt, Tirupati. The successive Mahants held

the office as Vicharanakartas. After the management was transferred to the

Mahant, a number of allegations of mismanagement, abuse of powers and

misappropriation of funds etc. were levelled against the mahant in-charge of

administration of the temple. Suits were filed at different periods from several

quarters in different courts of law against the Mahant. There was a lot of litigation

between the Mahant and the aggrieved parties in District Courts, High Court, Federal

Court and the Privy Council. Finally, a scheme of administration was drawn up by

the then Government of Madras as per the directions of the then Privy Council

mentioned in Madras Hindu Religious Endowment Act of 1927. During the period of

Mahants, the income of the temples steadily increased. I n 1930, it reached an

amount of Rs.11 lakhs. The Privy Council scheme was found in practice to be

defective in many respects and the Madras Hindu Religious Endowmeni:~ Act was

found to be inadequate in carrying out the necessary reforms. Keeping this in view,

the TTD Act of 1932 was passed to provide better administration and proper

utilisation of funds.

5.5 Management under State Acts: The TTD Act of 1932 entrusted the

administration of the Devasthanam to a Committee. The Committee was constituted

as a corpo:.atc- body having perpetual succession and common seal and it carried on

the admillistration through a commissioner appointed by the Government. The TTD

Act of 1932 was replaced by an enactment in I951 and the administration of the

TTD was entrusted to a Board of Trustees. The EO was appointed by the State

Government. After the formation of Andhra State in 1956, the aforesaid Act was

adopted by the Andhra Government. Subsequently, the Government of AP replaced

it by a comprehensive enactment, namely, the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious

Institutions and Endowments Act, 1966, which came into force on 26-1-1967.

Chapter XIV of the Act referred to dealt with the administration of the TTD subject

to other general provisio.ns of the Act. Even under the Act of 1966, the

administration happened to be under the control of the Commissioner of

Endowments, AP. It was considered that the full control and supervision, which

were found to be effective in the case of such religious institutions, were working as

administrative disincentives for the PTD. Hence, the legislature had enacted the

ITD Act of 1979, which came into force with effect from 18-5-1979. According to

the enactment, the TTD means the temples specified in the First Schedule and the

endowmen:., and properties thereof and shall include the educational institutions

and other institutions mentioned in the Second Schedule and the endowments and

properties thereof. The administration of the TTD was thus run according to the Act

and the rules made there under. The TTD Act of 1979 was replaced by the Act of

1987 to consolidate and amend the law relating to the administration and

governance of the TTD. The Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and

Endowments Act of 1987 came into force with effect from 25-5-1987 in AP. Now

the TTD is run as per provisions of this Act. Chapter XIV of the Act exclusively deals

with the administration of the TTD.

6. Organisational hierarchy: The administrative set up of the top level

management of the TTD under the provisions of the l T D Act of 1979 was as

follows:

Government V

Board of Trustees

B

Management Committee

v Executive Officer

I n the organisational hierarchy, Government of AP is at the top followed by the

Board of Trustees, Management Committee and EO. The present organisational

structure of the TTD under the Act, 1987 runs as follows.

Government

Y

TTD Board of Trustees

V

Executive Officer

6.1 Board of Trustees: There shall be a Board of Trustees consisting of not more

than 13 members including the Chairman. They include: Commissioner who shall be

a member, ex-officio; EO who shall be the member secretary, ex-officio; one shall

be a person belonging to the Scheduled Castes; the remaining 9 members include

the Chairman and one woman member to represent women. The person appointed

as member shall be a person professing Hindu religion. The administration of the

TTD shall vest in the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees shall for the

purpose, in addition to the powers conferred and functions entrusted to it, exercise

such powers and perform such functions as may be prescribed. The Board of

Trustees shall manage the properties, funds and affairs of the TTD and arrange for

the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies in every temple according to its

customs and usages. The Board of Trustees shall have power to fix fees for the

performance of archana and of any sewice or ritual connected with the TTD. The

Board of Trustees shall have power to call for such information and accounts as may

in its opinion be necessary for reasonably satisfying itself that the TTD is properly

maintained, the endowments thereof are properly administered and their funds are

duly appropriated to the purposes for which they were founded or existed. The

Board of Trustees shall exercise the general superintendence and control over the

administration of the T D . The Board of Trustees shall fix the dittarn in the temples

specified in the First Schedule and the endowments attached thereto. The Board of

Trustees may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may lay down,

delegate to the EO such of the powers conferred on it by or under the Act, as i t

may consider necessary.

6.2 Executive Officer: Government shall appoint an EO, a Joint EO and a Special

Grade Depiity EO. Every officer appointed shall be a person professing Hindu

religion. The conditions of service of the officers appointed shall be determined by

the Government. Every officer appointed shall be a whole-time officer and shall not

undertake any work unconnected with his office without the prior permission of the

Board of Trustees. Any officer appointed shall be paid out of the funds of the TTD

such salary as may, from time to time, be fixed by the Government. The EO shall be

the Chief Administrative Officer of the TTD. Subject to the control of the Board of

Trustees, EO has power to carry out the other provisions of the Ad . He shall be

responsible for the proper maintenance and custody of ttg*recprds a ~ d ??perties of

the TTD and shall arrange for the proper collection i f u t he offerings made in the

ten~ples. He shall exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as

may be prescribed, He may delegate any of the powers conferred on him to the

Joint EO or special grade Deputy EO or to such other officer of the TTD as the EO

may deem fit subject to such restrictions and control as the Government may, by

special or general order, lay down and also subject to such limitations and

conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order of delegation. The EO may

delegate powers to the heads of departments.

6.3 Staffing pattern: The staff pattern in the TTD at the end of 2000 is

provided in Table 2.4. The total number of persons working in the TTD during 2000

is 15,000. Tile officers include Deputy EO, Assistant EO, Welfare Officer, Law

Table 2.4 : Staff pattern in the TTD at the end of 2000

Source : Compiled from the records of the TTD, Tirupati. *,!

-- Category of staff Officers Engineers Medical Superintendents Junior and Senior assistants S h roffs Class I V Teachers Archa kas and Vedaparayanadars Barbers Security Guards Others Total

No of Persons 86

261 48

208 1308 594

5365 926

75 650 527

4952 15000

O/O to total 0.57 1.74 0.32 1.39 8.72 3.96

35.77 6.17 0.50 4.33 3.51

33.02 100.00

Officer, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Officer, Editor, etc. The officers constitute

0.57 per cent of the total staff of the TTD. The percentage of Engineers, Medical

officers and Superintendents is 1.74, 0.32 and 1.39 respectively. Both junior and

senior assistants form 8.72 per cent whereas shroffs account for 3.96 per cent.

Here class IV means sweepers, attenders, mazdoors, servers, cleaners etc. The

proportion of class IV employees is 35.77 percent of the total number of employees

which is very high when compared to the remaining categories of employees.

Teachers include Principals, Headmasters, Readers, Lecturers etc. Their

percentage in the total is 6.17. The Archakas, Barbers and Security Guards

constitute 0.50 per cent, 4.33 per cent and 3.51 per cent respectively. Others mean

electrician, draughts man, telex operator, telephone operator, tracer, carpenter,

water works staff, sthapathi, gardeners, nadhaswaram players, dolu players etc.

These form 33.02 per cent of the total workforce. I t can be concluded that class IV

employees rank first, followed by others while medical personnel are the least in

number.

REFERENCES:

1. C.Anna Rao, Administration of Temples, Tirupati, TTD, 1991 (part 111), p.3.

2. S.Subramanya Sastry, Tirupati Sri Venkateswara, Tirupati, T D , 1981, p.2.

3. M.Rama Rao, Temples of Tirurnala, T i ru~at i and Tiruchanoor, Tirupati,

TTD, 1982, p.45.

4. N-Rameshan, The Tirumala Temple, Tirupati, 77-0, 1981, p. 102.

5. M.Rama Rao (1982), Op.cit., p.42.

6. M.Rama Rao (1982), OP. Cit. P.2.

7. u., p.12.